Sponsored By

Panama Canal postpones draught restrictions as rains arrive

The Panama Canal will postpone further draught restrictions in the Neo-panamax locks since recent rainfall has alleviated the level of lakes feeding the waterway.

Michele Labrut, Americas Correspondent

June 27, 2023

1 Min Read
LNG transiting the Panama Canal
Photo: Panama Canal Authority

A prolonged drought had seen the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) set out an increasingly severe phased draught reductions and warned that it could reduce the number of vessels allowed to transit the canal daily.

Draught restrictions were scheduled to go into effect on June 25 and July 9 but the Canal Authority said, in an advisory to shipping, Neo-panamax ships can continue to sail at the previous depth limit of 13.41m (44.0 feet) and Panamax ships at 12.04m (39.5 feet). 

The administration said it would continue to monitor water levels and “announce future draught adjustments in a timely manner.”

Shippers will breathe a sigh of relief with a continued severe drought set to disrupt the supply chain between Asia and US East Coast ports.

Weather forecasts show rain forecast for the coming week in Panama signalling the late arrival rainy season.

About the Author

Michele Labrut

Americas Correspondent

Michèle Labrut is a long-time Panama resident, a journalist and correspondent, and has continuously covered the maritime sector of Central & Latin America.

Michèle first came to Panama as a press attaché to the French Embassy and then returned to the isthmus as a foreign correspondent in the 1980s.

Author of Seatrade Maritime's annual Panama Maritime Review magazine and of several books, Michèle also wrote for Time magazine, The Miami Herald, NBC News and the Economist Intelligence Unit. She has also collaborated in making several documentaries for the BBC and European and U.S. television networks.

Michèle's profession necessitates a profound knowledge of the country, but her acumen is not from necessity alone, but a genuine passion for Panama.

In 2012 she was awarded the Order of Merit (Knight grade) by the French Government for her services to international journalism and in 2021 the upgrade to Chevalier grade.

Get the latest maritime news, analysis and more delivered to your inbox
Join 12,000+ members of the maritime community

You May Also Like